Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, delivered a compelling keynote address at Caribbean Energy Week 2026, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation to unlock the Caribbean’s expansive energy potential.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Barnett expressed sincere condolences on the passing of former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, acknowledging his influential leadership during critical CARICOM meetings in 2022.
This year’s theme, “Leveraging Energy Diversity Across the Caribbean,” highlights the region’s extensive array of energy resources, including hydrocarbons, natural gas, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy.
With an estimated renewable potential of 10,750 megawatts, Dr. Barnett stressed that this diversity is a strategic advantage that can propel innovation, investment, and cooperation across CARICOM Member States. 
Citing recent offshore discoveries in Guyana and Suriname, alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s established expertise, Dr. Barnett pointed out promising renewable initiatives emerging in Barbados, Belize, and Jamaica.
“Energy is increasingly recognized as a driver of resilience and competitiveness, not merely an economic sector,” she stated, underscoring the importance of CARICOM collaboration and global partnerships in scaling infrastructure, financing, and developing human resources.
Dr. Barnett urged all attendees to carry the momentum from Caribbean Energy Week into CARICOM Energy Month later this year, reinforcing the need for the region to confidently lead the global energy transition by building resilient systems, mobilizing capital, and nurturing local talent.
“This theme captures both our current situation and the promise of our collective future,” she noted. Dr. Barnett reiterated the Caribbean’s rich energy landscape, stating, “The remarkable diversity of energy resources and capabilities presents opportunities for sustainable development that are critical for our Member States.”
The Secretary-General acknowledged the growing global interest in the Caribbean’s energy sector, stating, “Major offshore discoveries in Guyana and Suriname are reshaping energy conversations.”
She mentioned the sustainable initiatives being pursued by Grenada and the ongoing advances in renewable energy deployment and modernization of electricity systems in Barbados, Belize, and Jamaica.
“Energy in the Caribbean is no longer just a sector of economic activity; it is recognized as a strategic driver of resilience, competitiveness, and long-term development,” she asserted.
Dr. Barnett emphasized the importance of collaboration, remarking that Caribbean Energy Week 2026 demonstrates this broader perspective by uniting policymakers, investors, engineers, academics, and development partners.
Such collaboration is essential for success in cross-border gas development, regional supply chains, and harmonized regulatory frameworks, she explained.
Furthermore, she highlighted the value of initiatives like the Executive Leadership Dialogue and the Atlantic Basin Business Forum, which recognize that the Caribbean’s energy future requires partnerships with Africa, Latin America, and global capital markets.
“These partnerships will be vital as we expand infrastructure and scale emerging energy technologies,” Dr. Barnett stated .
As part of CARICOM’s commitment to advancing sustainable and resilient energy systems, she announced that the organization is developing a regional financing strategy to mobilize both public and private capital for scaling renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency across the Caribbean.
Dr. Bennet asserted : “ This initiative will broaden access to affordable and concessionary financing, promote innovative financial instruments, and strengthen Member States’ capacity to develop bankable projects. It aims to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and foster climate-resilient energy growth.”